Let's talk Camera Straps

[back alley]

i've used them all, from luigi to domke and leica and most camera brands...the one that i have stayed with for years now is the lance strap. it comes in standard lengths and can be customized in length also. it is reasonably priced and it is round. round works just perfectly for me. it glides up and down with ease.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

What? Never knew Think Tank made straps. Makes sense. Gripped on both sides. Hmmmm.

Yes, I own three of them and they are superb. One aspect of the straps that is especially useful is how small they fold up in your camera bag. They take up almost no room at all. They are extremely durable and well made, being gripped on both sides. And, they are relatively inexpensive. Great product.

 

[maggieo]

That's simply robbery; $156.00 for a length of cord, a bit of leather, some thread and two split rings!

You might think so, but that silk cord is really an amazing bit of kit. It's engineered!

 

[maggieo]

Anyone prefer cross-body rather than hanging from a shoulder? Seems like that would be more secure.

Absolutely. It's the preferred way to carry my cameras.

I don't know how anyone could use a neck strap. But then, I have boobs.

 

[ktmrider]

Gordy makes a great combo of shoulder and wrist strap. It can be customized for length, color, fasteners etc at a very reasonable price. I use one on my MP240.

 

[jpressman]

For me it's the Crumpler Popular Disgrace. Cheap (<$15), adjustable, comfortable. Does the job. I have probably 4 of them. Not sure if they're still available though.

 

[Brian Atherton]

Anyone prefer cross-body rather than hanging from a shoulder? Seems like that would be more secure.

+1 = Me!

Always have. Neck straps are er, a pain in the neck, especially when used with a heavy SLR and long zoom. Very unwieldy.

Cross-body I have the strap just long enough so that the camera can hang comfortably level behind my elbow where it can be tucked away safely.

I can't get on with a strap casually hanging on one shoulder as my shoulders slope and the strap just slides off.

With lightweight digitals (Fuji X-Pro2) I use cut down and adapted dog Nylon leads. far cheaper than bespoke straps. With my M bodies I use Leica's excellent Nylon strap.

 

[RichC]

I always carry my cameras across my body - on the chest they sway and swing uncontrollably (often into things)!

I buy old, well-worn wide canvas straps from the 1970s with all-metal fittings (no plastic!), including quick-release clips. I bleach these, then dye them (olive green - ‘cos I like the colour, and it’s discrete).

What I want from a strap (strong and reliable taken as givens):

• Comfortable - hence worn and soft, and wide for weight spreading.
• Slippery - worn across the body means it needs to slide, so musn’t be grippy, and no “shoulder pad” thing.
• Cheap - usually about $1!

I usually bleach and dye a handful every few years as friends and colleagues like them too, saying they’ve real character, so I’m always giving them away!

Pic of the strap I’ve used for a decade now (with my Frankenstein 1 kg (2 lb) 55-110 mm shift zoom lens!).

 

[robert blu]

Yes.


I switch between simple around the neck (camera bouncing off chest/stomach) and "bandolier" cross-body carry. Depends on the exact situation. When I'm in active shooting mode, simple neck carry because the camera is actually in my hand most of the time. When I'm briskly walking between locations, its bandolier style. I can still slide the camera into a shot without much fuss, and the carry is much more secure and comfortable (no bouncing around!)

I have found that there is no perfect carrying method, and learned the hard way to just be flexible (in all areas of life).

Forgot to mention the "cold-weather carry". That's when I carry the camera on neck strap, in usual position, but have my coat open to just the right level (zipped or buttoned) so I can tuck my camera under it. No more bouncing around, and the camera is out-of-sight and slightly protected. I just reach under my coat and whip out the camera when I want to make a shot. I probably look like some FBI agent about to whip out his/her gun and....well I hope not!

The same for me, bandolier style when walking, around the neck when taking photos and under the coat in winter times.

I use Gordy's straps for my M7, Nikon FM2 and Rolleiflex. Recently bought the Rock&Roll strap for the M10. It's comfortable to carry the camera old day long, weight is well distributed, but a little too bulky when you put the camera in the bag.

robert

 

[NickTrop]

I have had vintage hippie straps (no like). I have had sling straps (really no like). I have mostly used a wrist strap (like) but that necessitates carrying a small camera case. I now use this brand, Canpis. Leather. Secure. Nice length (long -- hangs around waist lenght). Right price. $15 on the big auction site. Quick release. I am buying another for my other camera. This is my forever strap.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...TgaNyQE5qDnmoeeXxTBoCZ_UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds (The one I use is a bit different than what's in the link...)

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

I use MATIN EtsHaim leather straps on all my cameras. They're made in South Korea and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

I hang my camera around my neck! And, I'm proud of it!

Strap around my neck, camera in my left hand, trigger finger of my right hand gently caressing the shutter release... I'm ready; I'm also left eye dominant - no problem - good-to-go - ready to shoot! Action!

Mostly manual focus - occasionally auto focus - always ready.

Mike

 

[Big Ursus]

I also use the free, original, factory-issued, neck straps on my Fuji X-T2 and Sony RX1s. Those black straps are grippy enough for me, flexible, and don't call attention to themselves.

 

[Rob-F]

Leica M, Nikon F mount SLR and DSLR, Fuji X100: Neck straps.
Leicasonic D-Lux 6, Fuji X10: wrist strap. They look silly on a neck strap, like a cat on a leash! 😀
Hasselblad 500CM: short hand strap. Too heavy for the neck! 😱
Hasselblad SWC: either hand strap or neck strap.

 

[kshapero]

Akiva, what do you look for when getting a cross-body strap? Most of my straps have some kind of anti-slip on them - Upstrap and Domke. These don't seem suitable for carrying a camera the way you do. Suggestions? Thanks.

The one in my Avatar photo is a leather gordy strap extra long for a good fit. don't want it too sticky so I can easily swing it around for action.

 

[intheviewfinder]

Interesting thoughts but most folks are just talking about using a camera on a strap without consideration of a bag - small shoulder bag, messenger bag or, heck, a backpack. Love to hear some comments.

 

[presspass]

Bags are fine for transport, but if you're in a situation where you are using two cameras - one with a moderate wide angle and the other with a normal or short telephoto, bags are just for storing film, extra lenses, etc. That's where the cross straps work best - see David D. Duncan's commentary at the end of his book of photographs taken during the Korean War.

 

[zuiko85]

I’m with the DIY group. Most straps seem to be too short for across the chest bandolier style wear. I buy nylon webbing 1/2 inch wide and fittings. Also use split rings and sew up my own short pieces for quick release applications. Functionally plus good looks are too expensive for me so I settle for just functionality.

 

[JoeLopez]

Neck Strap, Wrist Strap, Fancy Strap, No Strap. Show me your Strap on your camera or not.

I use a Hawkesmill Westminster on my F3 and a Kensington on my X100T. Great straps 🙂
Both are long enough to wear cross chest or over one shoulder for quick access.

Literally within a couple of months in 2017, they introduced a red stitched version of the Kensington - I'd much rather have that on my Fuji.

 

[Dogman]

Interesting thoughts but most folks are just talking about using a camera on a strap without consideration of a bag - small shoulder bag, messenger bag or, heck, a backpack. Love to hear some comments.

Bags?

1. Billingham
2. Think Tank
3. Domke

 

[jwnash1]

Anyone prefer cross-body rather than hanging from a shoulder? Seems like that would be more secure.

I wear mine cross-body , usually with the camera riding just at top of rear hip, out of way, inconspicuous, and secure. One strap is Gordys with strings, another is old Tamrac and third is homemade similar to Artisan & Artist

John